Stroke Care Champion search begins

The search is underway for the 2019 Stroke Care Champion – an award which recognises exceptional dedication to the field of stroke.

Nominations are open to health professionals and researchers who have worked tirelessly to make life better for Australia’s stroke community.

Stroke Society of Australasia President Helen Dewey said the Stroke Care Champion award was a wonderful way to reflect on the unsung heroes across the country who are making difference in stroke prevention, treatment, care or advocacy.

“Stroke is one of Australia’s greatest health challenges. It can strike anyone at any time and can dramatically change the course of people’s lives and that of their family,” Professor Dewey said

“There will be more than 56,000 strokes this year alone – that’s one every nine minutes.

“Yet there is extraordinary passion being demonstrated on a daily basis to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery. We want to recognise and celebrate that.”

The Stroke Care Champion Award is supported by the Stroke Society of Australasia in conjunction with the Stroke Foundation. Nominees will need to have demonstrated a long-term commitment to stroke of at least five years.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan encouraged people to take the time to nominate their peers or colleagues who work relentlessly to ease the nation’s stroke burden and inspire everyone around them to follow suit.

“Their expertise, commitment and leadership are instrumental in improving outcomes for people with stroke now and well into the future,” Ms McGowan said.